When God gives an assignment, he also gives the strength to accomplish it. When God tells us to be strong and courageous, we are because he is with us. Always. To the very end of this age. And beyond. And that includes today and right now and everything coming up next. 

God told Jacob he would be with him (Genesis 28:15).

God told Moses he would be with him (Exodus 3:12).

Jesus told his disciples he would be with them to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

There are more where these came from. 

We can live strong and courageous lives because God is with us. When we live God’s Dreams for us, when we fully express his purpose for us, we can do so with all the strength we will ever need and all the courage necessary for each difficult situation and every powerful word. 

Joshua’s transition into first-chair leadership was one of the most daunting of all time. Leading those tribes into the Promised Land and into their territories for settlement was a mighty endeavor. There is no way he could succeed unless he could count on God to lead. God kept his end of the bargain. Joshua swallowed hard and kept his, too. 

If you require a motivational message now or ever, recall these words of God to Jacob, Moses, and Joshua. Remember these words of Jesus to Peter, John, and you and me. Be strong. Be courageous. God is with us.

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I will live with strength and courage because God is with me now and always.

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Our Father, before you tell us what to do, and before you show us how to do it, you provide the strength and courage to begin, to continue, and to finish well. No wonder so many songs sing about your goodness and mercy and power and how they endure forever. Encourage us today at the precipice of every challenge. Encourage us in moments of decision. Encourage us when it is time to speak up. Encourage us when it is time to take decisive action. Encourage us when it is time to live with resolution. Thank you that you never leave us, forsake us, or abandon us. Thank you for turning fear into faith. Amen.